Seasoned Seaweed Products Pulled from Shelves Due to Allergy Concerns
According to News Week, Korean seasoned seaweed is being recalled due to a packaging mix-up that led to sesame not being declared on the label, posing a risk of allergic reactions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on Friday.
Product Details and Allergen Risks
The seaweed, produced by Wismettac Asian Foods Inc. in Santa Fe, California, is sold under the brand name Shirakiku to stores and restaurants across seven U.S. states. Sesame is one of the top 10 most common allergens and can trigger severe or potentially fatal allergic reactions in affected individuals. Symptoms may include vomiting, itchy hives, shortness of breath, dizziness, and tingling sensations in the mouth. In severe cases, anaphylaxis can occur, characterized by swelling of the throat or face, difficulty breathing, unconsciousness, and even death. Individuals experiencing anaphylaxis should use an adrenaline injection (such as an EpiPen) and call 911 immediately.
Details of the Recall
The recalled Korean seasoned seaweed contains sesame, which was not declared on some products due to a packaging error. According to the FDA, the seaweed was sold in 3.52 oz packages housed in an illustrated plastic bag containing five inner packets. Each inner packet is correctly labeled, but the outer bag features incorrect information.
The correct product codes for the inner packets are 074410516031, while the outer package incorrectly lists the product code 074410495534.
Also read: Frozen Pasta Recall: Listeria Risk Triggers Warning in 8 States
Distribution and Return Instructions
The recalled seaweed was distributed to California, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, Washington, New York, and Nevada until Tuesday, October 8. Wismettac announced the recall on Thursday, October 10, with the FDA following up the next day.
Consumers who have purchased the affected seaweed products are urged to return them to their place of purchase for a full refund. Newsweek has reached out to Wismettac for further comments via email.
Other Recent FDA Recalls
On Friday, October 11, the FDA announced several other recalls, including Enoki King mushrooms, Los Andes Foods sweet corn pancakes, and Bistro 28 Don Pacho meal kits. The sweet corn pancakes were recalled due to undeclared wheat from a similar labeling error. In contrast, the mushrooms and meal kits were potentially contaminated with listeria bacteria, which can cause serious listeriosis infections. The meal kits were linked to a broader recall of nearly 10 million pounds of meat by BrucePac due to listeria contamination, as the meal kits utilized BrucePac chicken.
